6 of 7The BMW Active Tourer concept exterior surfaces are covered in a high-gloss polish with brushed velvet matte on the undersurface.

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7 of 7The BMW Active Tourer is a plug-in hybrid concept that will debut at the Paris motor show in late September.

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BMW is breaking from its illustrious tradition of longitudinally mounted engines with the unveiling of a plug-in hybrid prototype. It's called the Concept Active Tourer, and its space-saving transverse engine layout will heavily influence the design, packaging, ride and handling properties of the German carmaker's next generation of small cars, which will offer front- and all-wheel drive. The handsome five-door hatchback closely previews a multipurpose vehicle that BMW is extensively testing and plans to introduce to the 1-series lineup in early 2014, rivaling the Mercedes-Benz B-class and Volkswagen Golf Plus.

The BMW is conceived to appeal to family-car buyers, who place greater emphasis on space and variability than the traditional BMW qualities of performance and dynamics. It's being looked upon to attract new customers as part of chairman Norbert Reithofer's goal of 2 million sales, annually and worldwide, by 2020.

The tall five-seat concept is set to get its first public airing at the Paris motor show in September. It also showcases BMW's new 1.5-liter three-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine. That's part of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that will be used by the i sub-brand's upcoming i8 sports car—as previewed at last year's Frankfurt motor show.

The twin-scroll turbocharged unit comes from a modular engine family that will eventually support three-, four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel powerplants, boasting up to 60 percent component commonality for more flexible production than today's engines.

The three-cylinder engine is supported by an electric motor that channels drive through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels. Power is rated at a combined 190 hp. Energy for the electric motor is provided by a lithium-ion battery pack mounted within the floor of the trunk that can be charged with a plug-in setup, and can also run on the recuperation of energy under braking and periods of trailing throttle

BMW says the gasoline engine exclusively drives the front wheels, while the electric motor provides power to the rear—the first tacit acknowledgment that non-hybrid versions of its new MPV running conventional engines will come standard with front-wheel drive. In all-electric mode, the Concept Active Tourer is propelled by its rear wheels alone.

Although BMW has yet to reveal any theoretical weight figures of its latest concept car, it claims it goes from 0 to 62 mph in less than 8.0 seconds, has a top speed of around 120 mph and enjoys a combined average fuel consumption of more than 94.1 mpg, boasting an electric range of up to 18.6 miles.

The first transverse-engine car to wear BMW's distinctive blue and white roundel is based on the company's new UKL platform architecture, which has been engineered to support both front- and all-wheel-drive layouts. The term UKL is derived from the German words “unter klasse,” or entry level. The platform is also set to underpin the next generation of Mini models.

Up until now, BMW has steadfastly defended its decision to base its production cars around a longitudinal engine layout, saying it provides key advantages in weight distribution over transverse-engine designs, in turn heightening dynamic properties for more entertaining driving traits. The about-face, which makes a mockery of some of the German carmaker's earlier advertising campaigns, has been driven by the need to reduce production costs, as well as provide competitive packaging for a new generation of small cars.

Despite holding firm to longitudinal engine layouts and a predominately rear-wheel-drive lineup of models longer than most competitors, BMW is no stranger to transverse engines and front-wheel drive, as it engineered the critically acclaimed Mini lineup.

Credit for the styling of the hatchback concept goes to a team of in-house designers working under the BMW's design boss, Karim Habib. They have delivered an uncharacteristically proportioned BMW—short hood, comparatively high roofline and angled tailgate, albeit one flaunting the latest exterior-design treatment to provide it with a highly contemporary appearance.

Although likely to be badged as the 1-series GT in production trim, the new car owes little to the look of the latest 1-series hatchback. Instead, the Concept Active Tourer uses details that align it more with the 5-series GT—a signal that BMW is attempting to provide its new GT models with a family look, in a move similar to its more rugged X models. Within the concept car's generously dimensioned wheel houses are a set of 20-inch wheels, though expect the production version to get more conventional 16-inch items as standard

At 171.4 inches in length, 72.2 inches in width and 61.4 inches in height, the Concept Active Tourer is 0.2 inch shorter, 1.9 inches wider and 0.2 inch taller than the second-generation B-class launch in Europe in 2012. The UKL platform it sits on boasts a 105.1-inch wheelbase, resulting in short overhangs and what is described as adequate space for five adults.

As with the exterior, the interior design differs from that of BMW's more traditional rear-wheel models, aiming to provide the MPV with a much more spacious cabin—thanks to space gained from the engine's layout. While the concept car uses an opulent mix of materials, expect the production to boast a level of perceived quality inline with the 1-series.

The 2012 Paris motor show, or as it is officially known – Mondail de l’Automobile – will take place September 27 through October 14, 2012. It occurs every two years alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. The Paris motor show is a spotlight for the latest in design, but automakers will also be showing off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars.